Adult-use cannabis sales begin in Minnesota

Adult citizens of Minnesota can now legally purchase cannabis after the state passed a bill that was signed into law on May 30, 2023. Governor Tim Walz signed the law, which went into effect on August 1, 2023, making the Minnesota the 23rd U.S. state to legalize cannabis for adults.

Under the new law, the’Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will oversee regulations for medical and adult-use cannabis, as well as the generally less potent hemp-based edibles, and will be responsible for licensing and developing regulations.

Adults 21 and over will be able to possess and travel within Minnesota's borders with 2 ounces (56 grams) of cannabis flowers, 8 grams of concentrate and 900 milligrams of edible products containing THC (candy, drinks...). In addition, they can keep almost 1 kilogram of cannabis flowers at home.

In addition to consuming and possessing cannabis, adults will be able to grow up to eight plants at home. These plants must be grown in an enclosed space, locked and not visible to the public.

Upon signing the bill, Governor Walz said, «We've known for too long that banning of cannabis consumption didn't work. At legalizing cannabis for adult use, we're growing our economy, creating jobs and regulating the industry to keep Minnesotans safe.

«Legalizing adult-use cannabis and expunging or reclassifying cannabis convictions will strengthen communities. This is the right decision for Minnesota.».

While retail sales aren't expected to begin for another year, tribal nations are able to set their own rules, and the Red Lake Reservation Tribal Council has voted to begin sales to both tribal and non-tribal members.

The Red Lake Reservation is home to the state's first operational dispensary, NativeCare, which carried out the first sale of its products to the public. cannabis for adults in the state on August 1.

A second tribal nation, White Earth, plans to open soon a dispensary.

Cannabis advocacy group NORML's deputy director Paul Armentano said, «Nearly half of all Americans now reside in a jurisdiction where use adult-use cannabis is legal. To date, no state has taken steps to limit or repeal these legalization laws.»

«That's because these policies work largely as voters and legislators intended and are clearly preferable to criminal cannabis prohibition.»